ACHIEVA Launches $8 Million Capital Campaign to Reach Its Goals

ACHIEVA, one of the nation’s largest and leading non-profit organizations serving people with disabilities and their families, announced plans today for its $8 million capital campaign, Innovation in Support of People with Disabilities that will enable the organization to launch landmark initiatives. “ACHIEVA will raise the level of services for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities to new heights and help more people live enriching and independent lives,” says Marsha Blanco, President and CEO of ACHIEVA.

“Support from the corporate and foundation community has given the campaign momentum,” said Bill Demchak, PNC Financial Services Group President and chairman of the ACHIEVA campaign. “ACHIEVA now needs the help of the community to ensure that the additional services announced today can be provided.”

Demchak announced that with the support of the community, ACHIEVA will:

Create 118 new community living spaces for people with disabilities through a public-private partnership to reduce the lengthy waiting list. Currently, more than 15,000 people with disabilities in Pennsylvania are on a waiting list for government support that may take years to fill. 4,000 are in an emergency state. “The expanded public-private partnership will decrease the waiting list and allow adults with disabilities to live safely and as independently as possible,” explains Marsha Blanco, President and CEO.

Create more permanent jobs for people with disabilities in the Greater Pittsburgh area by expanding ACHIEVA’s thriving Pallet Manufacturing Business, which generated sales of $1,255,000 and produced 128,000 pallets in 2011. The facility currently employs 22 workers with disabilities. With the purchase of a new band re-saw line and upgrading current equipment ACHIEVA will be able to offer more jobs to the 8 out of 10 people with disabilities currently unemployed.

Implement an innovative plan to expand the ACHIEVA Family Trust, which enables families of people with disabilities to secure the financial future of their loved ones. The goal is to increase the families served from 1,800 to 3,300. The monies raised will create new funding channels for ACHIEVA Family Trust and fund a campaign to inform families, service providers and attorneys of individuals with disabilities about the benefits of ACHIEVA Family Trust.

Increase the energy efficiency of the 100 ACHIEVA facilities by adopting sustainable practices and updating current systems. This project will allow ACHIEVA to redirect an estimated $117,000 each year from building operations to services for people with disabilities.

“When you think of ACHIEVA, think innovative approaches and long-term solutions for children and adults with disabilities in Southwestern Pennsylvania and in the nation”, said Ginny Thornburgh, honorary campaign co-chair and wife of former Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh. “If you invest in ACHIEVA you invest in America.”

To date, the largest contributors to the campaign include PNC Foundation, which has donated $1 million to the campaign; Edith L. Trees Charitable Foundation $750,000; Heinz Endowments $475,000; Highmark and the Highmark Foundation $400,000; Massey Charitable Trust $90,000 and Reed Smith $75,000. Ernst and Young, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC and the Meryl Wyrck Living Trust also made significant contributions.

An investment in ACHIEVA’s capital campaign, Innovation in Support of People with Disabilities, will ensure long-term sustainability and continued success for all. For more details on the campaign, visit ACHIEVA online at www.achieva.info

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